A strong performer on a live+same-day basis, the December 17 “The Big Bang Theory” turned into a monster with seven days of time-shifted viewing included.
On a Live+7 basis, the episode drew a 7.0 adults 18-49 rating and 24.43 million total viewers. The numbers best those of the L+SD report (4.1, 17.25 million) by 2.9 and 7.18 million, respectively.
Breaking the record set by the series premiere of “How To Get Away With Murder” (+6.95 million), the 7.18 million live+7 viewership lift is the greatest ever recorded.
In reaching a total of 24.43 million Live+7 day viewers, the episode meanwhile ranks as the season’s most-watched scripted program.
Entitled “The Opening Night Excitation,” the episode featured the consummation of Sheldon and Amy’s relationship.